Alfred loves being around people.
If you spend any time with him in the centre of Bury, it quickly becomes clear that he knows just about everyone. He stops to chat, points out his favourite places and proudly shows visitors around the town he calls home.
In fact, Alfred enjoys it so much that he’s even led his own tours of Bury’s famous market, sharing his favourite stalls and best bargains with visitors.
It’s a life full of conversation, laughter and familiar faces. But for Alfred, it’s also something that once felt a very long way away.
Alfred had a tough start in life.
Growing up wasn’t easy and he didn’t always have the support he needed. As a young man he got into trouble and spent time in secure settings.
Those experiences were very hard on him. Alfred is a big man physically, but the people who know him well will tell you he’s actually very soft-hearted. At times in the past, others took advantage of that.
For many years, ordinary life felt out of reach for him
A new chapter
In the mid-2000s, Alfred moved into his own place.
At first he shared a house with another man who had also been living in hospital. The house they moved into was far from ideal and Alfred lived there for nearly ten years.
Everyone knew he deserved something better.
Eventually the chance came to find Alfred a place of his own. A house was bought for him and he moved in – somewhere he could truly call home.
It made a huge difference.
A home that’s truly his
Alfred’s house today reflects exactly who he is.
It’s full of personality, colour and things he enjoys. If you walk through the door, you’ll probably spot plenty of Liverpool FC decorations straight away – Alfred is a huge fan.
He loves going to Anfield whenever he gets the chance, often travelling there with a support worker who shares the same passion for football.
And then there are the collections.
Alfred enjoys finding a good bargain, especially in charity shops. Clocks, watches and interesting finds sometimes make their way home with him. On some days you might spot clocks covering the walls or watches carefully lined up.
It always raises a smile.
But for Alfred, those things are part of making his home feel like his own.
Living life his way
Alfred spends a lot of time out and about.
He works in a charity shop, where he enjoys meeting people and, of course, spotting the occasional bargain. He also loves spending time around Bury’s famous market, which is one of the largest traditional markets in the country.
He plays pool at a local club, enjoys discos and often heads into Manchester for a day out.
Being part of the community really matters to him. Over the years he has built up friendships with many people locally and is a familiar face around town.
Alfred also keeps in touch with his family. His mum lives nearby and he visits her regularly, usually at the weekend. He also sees his brothers when he can.
Those connections mean a lot to him.
For Alfred, having the freedom to be himself is important.
That includes the way he looks and expresses himself. Over the years he’s chosen tattoos and piercings that reflect his personality – small decisions that might seem ordinary, but mean a lot when you’re building a life that truly feels like your own.
The team supporting Alfred have been alongside him for many years, helping him navigate life’s ups and downs while keeping him firmly in charge of the direction his life takes.
And that consistency has made a real difference. Alfred has now been part of his community for almost two decades.
Looking ahead
Alfred still has plenty of plans for the future.
Every year he goes on holiday, something he only started doing later in life. His favourite place is Jersey, and he looks forward to going back again this year.
But there is one dream he talks about more than anything else.
Alfred would really like to meet someone special.
He hopes one day to have a partner and build a happy life together. It’s something he’s exploring, taking things one step at a time.
In the meantime, Alfred continues doing the things he enjoys most: spending time with people, finding a bargain, supporting Liverpool and showing visitors around the town he’s proud to call home.
After everything he’s been through, that everyday life – full of friendships, choices and possibilities – is something truly worth celebrating.
